A new machine that removes abnormal tissue and benign lesions from the breast is now available at Singleton Hospital and will help to tackle a massive increase in male breast cases. The mammotome machine will give the hospital cancer centre a new way of removing gynaecomastia, which is the technical term for breast tissue in men.
A mammotome biopsy removes a slightly larger sample of breast tissue than a needle biopsy. It is carried out under local anaesthetic and the surgeon uses a small vacuum assisted probe to take a biopsy from the suspicious area.
The procedure takes about half an hour and the patient can go home 20 minutes after the procedure. Conventional excision of gynaecomastia involves open surgery, which requires hospital admission, general anaesthetic, and a large scar.
“We’re also concerned that referrals of male patients with gynaecomastia are increasing rapidly. Evidence suggests this is due to an increased incidence secondary to use of anabolic steroids and the increased concern over body image in men. Obesity is also a cause for concern.”
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